SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   ESHB 2519

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 26, 1992

Brief Description:  Enacting the rural homeowners fire protection act.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Natural Resources & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Dellwo, Wynne, Fraser, D. Sommers and Paris; by request of Department of Natural Resources)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Hearing Dates: February 27, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The wildfire that destroyed many homes in the Spokane area last year demonstrated the danger to life and property by the development of residential housing on land abutting or within a forest or wildland.  Often such residential housing developments have been designed and constructed without sufficient attention to the risk of fire and the need for fire protection services.

SUMMARY:

By July 1, 1993, and in cooperation with public fire agencies, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) must develop a system for rating the wildfire risk in developed and potential development areas and must prepare maps displaying these high or extreme fire hazard areas.

By January 1, 1994, each county must adopt an ordinance or resolution addressing fire protection standards for high or extreme hazard areas designated by DNR.  The ordinance or resolution must include standards for fire resistant building construction, for water systems, for management of flammable growth, and for fire protection service access to developed areas.

By July 1, 1993, the state Building Code Council must adopt guidelines to assist counties in the adoption of an ordinance or resolution required for fire protection in high or extreme fire hazard areas.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available